The Boy Who Cried “Wolf!” III

By Rabbi Daniel Travis

"[The brothers] broke the news to [Yaakov]: “Yosef is still alive, and
he rules over all the land of Egypt.” But [Yaakov’s] heart became numb,
for he could not believe them. Then when they related all the words that
Yosef had spoken to them, and when he saw the wagons that Yosef had sent
to transport him, the spirit of Yaakov was revived." (Bereshith 45:26-
7)

In the previous essays it was mentioned that words of truth are self-
evident, and unless a person develops a reputation as a liar (such as the
boy who cried “Wolf!”), words of truth will always be believed. This
concept has major importance in the halachoth of lashon hara (defamation).
Although it is generally forbidden to believe slander, if the words
clearly seem to be absolutely true to the listener, it may be permitted to
act on (e.g. in order to protect himself) what is being said (1). However
under no circumstances may one relate the information to others, or in any
way cause the subject any financial or emotional harm as a result of what
was said (2).

The Gemara derives this principle from an incident involving Dovid
HaMelech and Ziba (3). The Gemara suggests that Dovid HaMelech accepted
slander from Ziba, and proceeds to relate an incident which seems to
justify this claim. However the Gemara concludes that Dovid was permitted
to believe what he heard, for he saw signs of truth in Ziba’s words.
We must always ask ourselves if we really see absolutely clear indications
that what was said was true, or perhaps our own disposition is motivating
us to see that which is not really there. Even if the listener sees clear
indications that what is being said is true, nevertheless one is obligated
to judge the subject favorably whenever possible, and ignore what was
said. So too, one cannot rely on the accuracy of someone else’s evaluation
that what was said was true (4).